Pirlo slams Italian coaches for 'lacking courage'

Italy great Andrea Pirlo has criticised current coaches in Italy for prioritising foreign players over local talent.

Source: AAP

The issue of Italians, particularly young players, not being given chances has long been an issue in the top tiers of Italian football.

New Italy coach Roberto Mancini put the topic back in the spotlight during a press conference on Monday where he implored Italy's clubs to work with him and the national team by having more faith in Italian youth.

Former AC Milan and Juventus midfielder Pirlo today backed up Mancini, telling La Repubblica: "Italian coaches lack courage. It’s been like this for a while: many foreigners aren’t as good as our own.

“It also happens in Serie B and even in the lower Leagues. They probably cost less, otherwise I don’t see any reason for it," he said.

“I think that for a CT [Commissario Tecnico - Italy coach], the problem refers mainly to the big teams: Inter, Juventus, Napoli and also Roma don’t play many Italians.

"The exceptions are Milan and Fiorentina.”